Those flying to the Maldives, a nation in the Indian Ocean comprised of amazing coral islands, will be welcomed by a gently undulating airport designed by UK based Haptic Architects and Norway based Narud Stokke Wiig Architects. The firms have collaborated to create this curvaceous terminal that sits in the lagoon so as not to detract from any of the islands’ beautiful coasts.

More about the airport after the break.

“Our proposal for Hanimaadhoo Airport aims to create a functional and efficient airport while preserving the natural shape and white coastline of the island. We believe our strategy will emphasize and advertise the unspoilt natural qualities of the Maldives,” explained Narud Stokke Wiig Architects.

The site strategy places the runway and the taxiway on the far north and east of the Island, with free space around the southern part for the future development of hotels, resorts, and retail.

The terminal itself has a dramatic timber diagrid roof with a highly insulated skin. Solar panels are mounted on the roof and the design also includes passive strategies, such as proper orientation and rainwater harvesting, to preserve the natural essence of the islands and “promote the Maldives as a sustainable and environmentally conscious destination,” added Narud Stokke Wiig Architects.